Major initiative to cut car crime in Rochdale

Date published: 27/05/2006

A major initiative to cut car crime is being launched across Rochdale following a spate of thefts of satellite navigation systems.

There has been 57 reports of satellite navigation thefts in Rochdale and the surrounding area in one month alone (19 April 2006 to 19 May 2006) – an average of two per day. They account for a fifth of all car crime incidents throughout the division during those 30 days.

From 1 January to 30 April 2005, four satellite navigation systems were stolen across the Rochdale division. However, from 1 January to 30 April 2006, that figure rose to 141.

Crime Reduction Advisors based in Rochdale have launched a crime campaign to tackle the rising problem.

They have teamed up with local outlets to offer more than 2,000 free crime prevention packs to those who own the devices. Police Community Support Officers (PCSO's) will be handing out packs at popular locations and community events across the district this summer.

The packs contain an information leaflet giving crime prevention tips and useful contact numbers, an ultra-violet marker pen to security mark their system, plus six hologram security stickers stating that property in the vehicle is traceable.

Police warn that the popular devices are now top of the wish list for car thieves. They are simple to spot and remove and make easy pickings for the criminal. Portable Satellite Navigation systems, which clip into a cradle on the dashboard, are particularly being targeted. The satellite navigation systems are mainly being stolen from vehicles where the owners have left the satellite navigation system still on display while the vehicle is parked unattended.

Thieves are also targeting vehicles where just the satellite navigation system’s cradle can be seen, normally stuck to the vehicle windscreen, knowing that some motorists will have placed them in the glove box or under a seat.

Crime Reduction Advisors Jackie Dickinson and Brian Farr, based at Rochdale, are urging motorists to remove all personal belongings from their vehicles rather than hide them, as thieves know where to look.  

Jackie said: "The advice to people who own these portable devices is simple – remove them from your vehicle, as this is the only way to prevent them from being stolen.

 "We have heard of cases where criminals are even looking for "sucker marks’ on windscreens to see if the vehicle is fitted with one and then breaking in to see if the owner has hidden the device in the glove compartment.

"When you leave your car, shut all windows, lock it and activate the immobiliser, if you have one."

For more information about the car crime packs, or for general crime prevention advice, call Jackie or Brian on 0161 856 8475 or 0161 856 8478.